Our Story
Backyard Australia began in 2010 when founders Sarah and Michael Thompson, a landscape designer and BBQ enthusiast respectively, noticed a disconnect between modern suburban lifestyles and the traditional Australian backyard culture that once thrived in neighborhoods across the country.
After moving to a new suburb in Melbourne's outer ring, they were surprised to find that despite having more space than their previous inner-city apartment, many of their neighbors rarely utilized their outdoor areas for anything beyond basic maintenance. Traditional neighborhood BBQs and garden gatherings seemed to be fading traditions.
The couple began hosting regular weekend BBQs, garden workshops, and family-friendly events in their own backyard. These gatherings quickly became popular, drawing neighbors from across their subdivision who were eager to connect and share outdoor living ideas.
In 2012, Sarah started a simple blog documenting their backyard transformations and community events. The blog's popularity grew rapidly, with readers across Australia seeking advice on everything from native plant selection to outdoor kitchen design. By 2015, Backyard Australia had evolved into a full-fledged resource platform, and the couple left their corporate careers to focus on their passion full-time.
Today, Backyard Australia has grown into a nationwide movement with a team of dedicated professionals who share our vision of revitalizing suburban living through beautiful, functional outdoor spaces that bring families and communities together.
